USB Wi-Fi Dongle(s) (and Oppo BDP-83)

[mycenius]

Howdy All - I was wondering who has used a USB Wi-Fi (802.11 WLAN) dongle or similar to network their Blu-ray player, TV, AVR, or such like? I am finally getting around to doing something about Internet Access for my Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player but can't use the Ethernet cable port so am hoping to use a USB dongle (rather than a full Wi-Fi Router/Switch as a relay). So am wondering:

1. If anyone has used these to date and what their experiences have been - any recommended brands/models for quality, signal strength?
2. Are there any traps regarding software drivers - i.e. can any model/brand of unit be plugged into a non-PC device and be automatically detected/installed - I'm not overly familiar with using these types of devices when not connected to a Windows or Linux environment (PC/Laptop/Server)?
3. Anyone have any specific experience with Oppo BDPs? Murray can you add anything here?

Before I rush out and buy one I thought I'd see who's been down this road already and their experiences...

P.S. I had a look on the Oppo Website and couldn't see anything obvious about using USB devices...

[crazydiamond]

I bought the BDP-93 which came with a wireless dongle. Set up was really simple via the network menu and so far have received 1 firmware update from Oppo.

[Boris]

I connected my BDP-83SE via a cable and network access was quick and easy.

Have to wonder whether using any 3rd party dongle would work though. Several bluray brands are either supplied with one or can be purchased as an optional extra like lower spec Panasonic's. Would they bother manufacturung these if any old chinese special would work?


B.

[mycenius]

I bought the BDP-93 which came with a wireless dongle. Set up was really simple via the network menu and so far have received 1 firmware update from Oppo.

Yeah I saw the BDP-93 has the dongle - hence I figured they probably need integral support (i.e. built into the firmware)...

Have to wonder whether using any 3rd party dongle would work though. Several bluray brands are either supplied with one or can be purchased as an optional extra like lower spec Panasonic's. Would they bother manufacturung these if any old chinese special would work?

Hi Boris - yeah, as above I suspect that is the case - the Panasonic TVs with Skype & Internet need the Panasonic Wi-Fi Dongle for example, but I was curious if anyone has tackled this as yet? I don't have the luxury of easily running an Ethernet cable to the device - so as mentioned I was looking for ways to get around having to set up a second WAP as a gateway to sit by the Oppo and be connected via Ethernet to provide connectivity... I thought there might be a more comprehensive 'generic' USB device that would have all the support built in but thinking about it it's probalby a bit of a blonde moment...

I wonder if Oppo have added the Wireless Dongle support retrospectively to the BDP-83 in a firmware upgrade?

[Dunnersfella]

I don't believe the solution you're looking for exists...
If you can't run a Cat5 cable, you could always look at PowerLine? While I've heard mixed results, the more recent efforts have supposedly improved.

[Ernie]

What about Ethernet over powerline connections?

Dlink and Netgear do them, although more expensive than a WAP unit.

[Ernie]

Snap Dunnersfella.

[Dunnersfella]

Go fish!
But in all seriousness, I'll be running Powerline to a bedroom TV / Apple TV2 setup sometime in the very near future as ethernet runs aren't possible in my home, and wifi just isn't what I'm after.

[Adam]

I had a Powerline connection to my Oppo 83 and it worked pretty well but was very expensive and didn't play well with surge protectors. I also used a wireless access point (Asus RT-N13) that worked pretty well to connect my TV, receiver and the Oppo for a while and this also worked well for music and video up to 720p.

The 83 wouldn't work with the 93/95 wireless dongle, and with my latest purchases having Wi-Fi built in the need for these add-on options just faded away.

[Tony Davey]

I would assume that the board layout / firmware of the 83 simply wouldnt pick up a network device via the USB(?), wireless access point connected via ethernet may be your best/cheapest solution - something like this? http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/3...-2T2R/8160066/

[mycenius]

Thanks Guys - and yes you are likely all correct - I was hoping either Oppo might have backwards added WLAN support to the 83, or there might be some mini WAP unit in a USB Pen Drive type device...

And yeah Sen I have a couple of spare Linksys ones lying around at work from temp projects - it was my original plan but I was just trying to avoid having ANOTHER device and more cables crammed in and behind my rack!!!!

[MarkH]

USB wifi dongles don't work with the BDP83. For wireless you need a wifi adapter that connects to the Ethernet port.

[RapalloAV]

Oppo used to sell these wireless network bridge kits, they dont carry them anymore but we do still have a couple in stock. They are really simple to setup and work a treat!

[mycenius]

Oppo used to sell these wireless network bridge kits, they dont carry them anymore but we do still have a couple in stock. They are really simple to setup and work a treat!

Cheers Murray - They are probably more than I need but I'll drop you a line off list if I am interested in progressing - I already have access to multiple WAPs so I don't think these will be any improvement in my case?

[Boris]

Hey mycenius, just came across this which may help:

http://watershade.net/wmcclain/BDP-8...ess-networking


Not worth spending much on IME. I have BD Live turned off and firmware upgrades are very infrequent for this player now.


Cheers, B